The Soul Bar in Woden is close to my work and I’ve been here a few times for after-work drinks or other work functions. The food was never particularly good. I went back for a farewell lunch organised by some work colleagues who mentioned the food had gotten much better.

The Soul Bar has the main pub part with some cushioned seats, sofas, tables and chairs.

If you head into the back room, there are more seats available and a pool table. The back opens up and there is outdoor dining available too. It’s rather nice sitting down there on a warm day.

I ordered the Soul Burger ($15) – beef patty, tomato, lettuce, onion and tomato jam. All mains come with salad and chips except for the nachos. The burger was exactly what I needed. The beef patty was thick and juicy, with fresh lettuce and tomato. The chips were the best part – so crunchy, great quality potato and lightly salted.

A work colleague’s beer battered flathead and chips ($15) – he was also impressed with his meal. A lot better than what we’d had a few months ago!

The Soul Bar also does pizzas, schnitzels, salt and pepper calamari, steak, lasagna and salad. And of course, they serve alcohol. Pretty good value for money with weekly blackboard specials for $10. The most expensive items for lunch are the sirloin steak, and the seafood basket, both $20 with chips and salad.

The food has definitely improved at the Soul Bar. In saying that, I would still prefer a burger and chips from Grill’d and believe it would be slightly cheaper. But I was impressed with the yummy chips here, and now won’t be as worried to go back.